Yuri Alberto Shines as Corinthians Defeat Santos in Paulista Derby
Corinthians secured a 2-1 victory over Santos in the ninth round of the Campeonato Paulista on Wednesday at Neo Química Arena. Despite the spotlight on Neymar’s first derby since returning to Brazil, it was Yuri Alberto who stole the show.
The forward not only overshadowed Neymar but also outperformed Memphis Depay, Corinthians’ new No. 10, with a decisive performance. Guilherme scored Santos’ lone goal.
The win solidifies Corinthians’ dominance in the tournament. They lead Group A with 25 points, nine ahead of second-place Mirassol. Botafogo-SP and Inter de Limeira trail with 10 and six points, respectively.
Santos, struggling to find form, sits third in Group B with nine points, one behind leaders Guarani and Portuguesa. Red Bull Bragantino remains last in the group with eight points.
Corinthians will face Portuguesa on Saturday at Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu at 6:30 PM (Brasília time) for the tenth round. Santos will host Água Santa on Sunday at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) at Vila Belmiro.
The match began with Santos pressing hard. Neymar had an early chance in the third minute but shot wide under defensive pressure. Moments later, Matheuzinho nearly scored an own goal while attempting to clear a cross.
At 12 minutes, Pituca tested Hugo Souza with a powerful shot from range. Corinthians took time to find their rhythm but struck first in the 16th minute. Martínez delivered a precise cross from the right wing to Yuri Alberto, who beat his marker and slotted the ball into the net.
Santos responded in the 26th minute when Thaciano narrowly missed, and Neymar forced another save from Hugo Souza shortly after. Corinthians doubled their lead in the 43rd minute with a stunning team goal.
Garro launched a pinpoint pass to Memphis Depay, who controlled it expertly before setting up Yuri Alberto for his second goal. The second half saw fewer chances as Corinthians slowed the game’s pace.
Memphis tested Brazão in the 57th minute, while Santos reduced the deficit in the 78th minute when Guilherme headed in Escobar’s cross. Despite late efforts, Santos failed to equalize as Corinthians held firm to secure their win.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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